Tigers sign FGCU’s Maxfield

June 21, 2011

After turning in arguably one of the best offensive careers in FGCU history, senior Zach Maxfield's wait to get into the professional ranks is over. The program's all-time leader in four different statistical categories signed a free agent contract over the weekend with the Detroit Tigers.

Less than a month removed from his senior season in which he became the first player in Eagles history to hit double-figure home runs three straight seasons, Maxfield will begin his career with the Lakeland Tigers in the North Division of the Gulf Coast League (GCL).

Monday was the opening day for the GCL with the Tigers hosting the Phillies. Maxfield, a first baseman from North Port, was assigned uniform No. 22. Fifteen teams compete in the GCL over three divisions.

In his three-year career at FGCU, Maxfield finished as the all-time leader in doubles (54), home runs (41), RBI (180) and total bases (418). Even more impressive, his power numbers came with a .371 career batting average, producing a hit in 139 of 162 games.

FGCU senior Tim Roberson was picked up by the Boston Red Sox last Thursday and assigned to the Lowell Spinners of the New York-Penn League.